We tend to think of electric cars as a disruptive technology

We believe that this is a radical change in mobility, but really the first electric cars already appeared in the early nineteenth century (1832/1839). At the time there were already rumours about cars that made no sound and emitted no smell (in the same way combustion cars would have been at the time) and there was already talk of the importance of autonomy. At the beginning of the 20th century these cars evolved to be able to travel distances greater than 100 miles.

However, at the same time Colonel Drake appeared on the scene with his oil wells in the United States, and also Henry Ford with his Ford T, the first combustion car made on an assembly line, and the first great battle between the electric car and the combustion car was won by the latter.

But now, in the 21st century, the situation is very different. The problem with fossil fuels, worldwide legislation promoting electric mobility (Europe has implemented “aggressive” regulations to reduce the greenhouse effect in order to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement) and, above all, the serious problems associated with pollution worldwide, make the electric vehicle a key element in the transformation of society towards a more responsible attitude and awareness of environmental issues.

When thinking of potential future users of electric vehicles, there are two major concerns: firstly, the cost of an EV and secondly, the availability of charging points on public roads, known as emergency recharging.

Recently, Erik Jonnaert, the secretary general of ACEA, (European Association of Automobile Manufacturers) published an article in which he explained that the automobile sector is experiencing one of the greatest periods of transformation in its history, which will mean that “in three years’ time, an electric car will cost a similar amount to a conventional car.”

Regarding the availability of charging points on public roads, an article has been published, which refers to the fact that there are currently 100,000 charging points in the European Union and it is expected that by 2025 this figure will multiply by 20 until it achieves 2 million stations.

To contribute towards achieving this objective, Circutor, a Spanish company and pioneer at a European level, has been working over the last ten years to offer recharging solutions for each of the requirements that electric vehicle users may have, both on public roads with direct current equipment (rapid charge), as well as in private use (linked charge) with alternating current equipment (slow charge).

LINKED RECHARGE

This is a slower charge, using alternating current (from 3.7 kW to 22 kW Circutor eHome and eNext models), which connects to you car’s parking space. The main objective of this way of charging is to take advantage of the night-time hours when most people have their car parked, charging it in 6 to 8 hours, during which time the power required can be released from our home at night and can be obtained at a very low-cost electricity rate.

ON-STREET RECHARGING

On public roads there are two types of solutions, the semi-rapid one which can be found in shopping centres and hotels. This would use an alternating current recharge with a maximum power of 22 kW (URBAN model by Circutor).

The second solution is the faster one and is designed for service stations that offer electric recharging, these are known as electricity stations. For these, recharging is carried out with direct current (50/150 kW Circutor's Raption Model), and the time required must be as short as possible, not more than 30 minutes.

The combination and implementation of the different recharging types begin to guarantee the user the ability to travel in Electric Vehicles with the same promise of autonomy that combustion vehicles offer today, but while enjoying a whole new driving experience, and most importantly respecting the environment and building a sustainable future for the generations to come.

The imminent deployment of charging points, in combination with commitments from large automobile manufacturers as well as growing public awareness, leave no doubt in our minds and allow us to vouch wholeheartedly that the Electric Vehicle is not a passing fashion or trend, but it is a reality and a global commitment, which will radically change, and is already changing, our current mobility model.

Current transformers for any type of installation

Solutions for low-voltage current measurement

The installation of current transformers allows the different measuring devices to provide reliable and traceable data on the evolution of consumption and production processes in electrical installations.

Designed in collaboration with installers

In the continuous process of improvement of our products, and thanks to the accumulated experience of our installers, we have designed this new range of current transformers to be installed quickly, easily and robustly. Meeting the most demanding expectations of the current market

Solutions for every type of installation

TD transformers

Easier to install

Thanks to our partnership with installers, our TD current transformers have a new and improved design to cover any need that may arise during their installation. The different models take into account aspects involving both their easy installation and their power optimisation when being connected to any electronic measurement device.

TQ and TQR transformers

Installation without interruption

The split-core TQ and TQR transformers have been designed to be connected to installations already in operation. A simple, two-step process makes for easy installation that saves on indirect costs, avoiding to disconnect the supply before start-up.

TD. Narrow section transformers

Easier to install

Attachment using ties

New tie fastening system built in at the transformer itself for an easy, fast and secure installation.

Encapsulation

The inside of the transformers can be encapsulated for installation in very humid or saline environments.

Low losses

Ideal for installation with any type of device, especially for low-energy electronic equipment.

Accurate

Best measuring accuracy guaranteed when connected to any type of receiver.

Versatile

Multiple formats for connecting the transformer.

DIN rail: Two-way fastening with an accessory for connecting to the DIN rail, whether connecting vertically or horizontally.

Panel: The transformers have individual parts for installation at the bottom of a panel.

Busbar/Cable: Enclosure with different window options for installing directly on a busbar or cable, using insulated-tip screws or ties, for secure fastening.

Accessories for TD current transformers

Accessory for installing TD transformers to DIN rail. We can bidirectionally fix the device to a DIN rail with just this accessory, as it provides the possibility of fixing it either horizontally or vertically.

Sealable

It has optional accessories for sealing the terminals and the transformer label.

Test report online

Accessories for sealing TD series current transformers. The TD-Cover kit consists of a transparent cover that is placed at the top of the transformer, disabling access to the secondary connection terminals, and it can be sealed to avoid any manipulation. It also includes two caps, common to any TD series model, to prevent access to the secondary terminals that remain unused once the measurement devices are connected.

TQ. Split-core current transformers

Installation without interruption

Push-button opening

Simple installation with instant opening using the push button, avoiding the use of removable parts.

Versatile

Installation to DIN rail or directly on conductors. Feature non-metallic parts to ensure fastening in busbars with plates.

Lightweight and compact

New design that reduces its weight and size for easier installation in any electrical panel.

Accurate

Guarantee the best measuring accuracy when connected to any type of receiver.

Low losses

Ideal for installation with any type of device, especially for low-energy electronic equipment.

Sealable

Prevents tampering with the electrical connections by sealing the terminal block of the current transformer.

TQR. Split-core current transformers

Installation without interruption

Push-button opening

Simple installation with instant opening using the push button, avoiding the use of removable parts.

Attachment using ties

New tie fastening system for an easy, fast and secure installation.

Adjustable

Designed with a circular cross-section to fully adapt to the wiring cross-section, improving the measurement accuracy.

Low losses

Ideal for installation with any type of device, especially for low-energy electronic equipment.

Accurate

Guarantee the best measuring accuracy when connected to any type of receiver.

High IP rating

Transformers with high IP65 protection, thanks to a sealing joint that keeps particles out of the connection terminals.

IEC 60755 establishes the types of earth leakage protection, defining them according to the type of leak that they measure and protect against.

The leak basically depends on the type of charge that it comes from. Therefore, taking the most basic example, a purely resistive charge (the classic Edison incandescent light bulb, for example), provided it is powered by a source using alternating current, will leak to earth with a perfectly sinusoidal differential current.

But load types have developed exponentially since Edison's time. Especially in relation to the use of loads for power electronics, which have become widespread in recent years. Type B earth leakage protection is the only protection that safeguards people and loads against leakage of alternating current (AC), direct current (DC) or mixed current (AC/DC).

Types of earth leakage protection

This protects against alternating sinusoidal currents, applied both suddenly as well as smoothly and progressively.

Although it’s prohibited in some countries in the European Union, in Spain its use is mainly extended to the domestic level, where more basic loads predominate.

This one deals with the same cases as the AC type and also includes:

Protection for direct pulsating currents

Protection for direct pulsating currents superimposed on a continuous earth leakage current of up to 6 mA

These are applied with or without angle control, regardless of polarity, that may appear both suddenly as well as smoothly and progressively.

It’s the commonest protection type in industrial settings and, in some parts of Europe, it’s also compulsory for domestic use.

This covers the scenarios included in type A (remembering that type AC has already been mentioned) and it also provides:

Protection for composite earth leakage alternating currents (including wave composition with frequencies of 1 kHz), appearing both suddenly as well as smoothly and progressively, intended for circuits powered between phase and neutral or phase and the grounded middle conductor.

These types of earth leakage are the least commonly used; they are mostly used in special single-phase applications.

It deals with the scenarios for type F (that is, type AC + type A) and also provides:

Protection for sinusoidal differential currents up to 1000 Hz

Protection for alternating earth leakage currents superimposed on smoothed direct currents up to 0.4 times the nominal sensitivity of the protection device or up to 10 mA (whichever is higher)

Protection for smoothed continuous earth leakage currents.

Protection for pure continuous earth leakage currents that may arise from correcting electrical circuits (for example, 3 or 6 pulse bridge connections) that are applied with or without angle control, regardless of polarity, that appear both suddenly as well as smoothly and progressively.

This is the most complete type of protection. It guarantees the measurement and protection against loads of alternating current, pulsating current or pure direct current.

Typical loads and applications that need to use type B differential protection

The way charges have developed over the 21st century presents a response as described in the cases referred to in the description of the leakage types protected by type B earth leakage protection. The most typical applications and loads are as follows:

Industry: Variable speed drives, used in countless different processes, such as conveyor belts, air conditioning, pumps, cranes, elevators of any kind, etc. In short, any process that requires a variable speed movement to carry out its function. What motor does not incorporate a drive nowadays?

When should I protect my loads with Type B protection? Legal framework and requirements for earth leakage protection TYPE B

In Spain the Low Voltage electrotechnical regulation (REBT 2002) establishes in ITC-BT-24 (Spanish) the obligation to protect the installation against direct and indirect contacts for installations with type TT earth connection plans (all the mass of the electrical equipment and the neutral of the transformer on the same earth).

However, except for ITC-BT-52 (Official State Bulletin No. 316), which is specifically for EV recharging points and where it is established that the protection will be type B or type A with a supplementary protection for continuous currents of values greater than 6 mA, the regulation does not establish any advice or criteria for selecting the type of earth leakage in our facility.

So, how do I choose for other cases?

We’ve already shown that the type of earth leakage dictates the type of loads it protects from, based on its response. It makes sense, therefore, to bear in mind that each load will use a type of earth leakage protection based on the type of earth leakage it can present.

IEC 60755 standard sets out the general requirements for residual current devices. It establishes the different types of leakage in relation to the different types of charges.

Nobody understands the way loads respond better than the manufacturer itself.

Therefore, when we select a type of earth leakage protection, we must consult the load manuals containing instructions on how to manage its correct protection. Otherwise, in the event of an equipment malfunction, or worse, in the event of an electrical incident due to human error, by not following the manufacturer's instructions, the responsibility for misuse will obviously rest with the end user.

The most reputable manufacturers of drives, UPSs, electric vehicle recharging units, active filters, etc. specify in the section on installation recommendations or warnings the correct load protection and for avoiding untimely trips, the earth leakage protection to be installed must be TYPE B.

Manual example of a 6-pulse drive manufacturer:

Compatibility with RCCBs.If you are installing an earth leakage protection device (RCD), the frequency converter will function without unwanted tripping and will provide adequate protection whenever a type B earth leakage device is used

Vertical selectivity

We have seen that in order to select the type of earth leakage protection we need, we must look at the load response. However, when we install earth leakage devices in series, upstream of the charge, what selection criteria should we use?

This is what is known as vertical selectivity. The correct selection of the characteristics of the earth leakage devices in series, from the beginning of the charge, through the set of charges (sub-frames) and reaching the protection of the mains panels, should not only take into account the type of charge, but also we must consider other aspects that will indicate the correct coordination of the protection system.

These 3 conditions must always be met in vertical selectivity:

Ammeter: The sensitivity of an earth leakage must be at least 3 times the sensitivity of the earth leakage device installed downstream.

Chronometric: The time response of an earth leakage device must be at least twice the maximum time of the earth leakage device installed downstream.

Type: The earth leakage must be of the same type or higher than the earth leakage device installed downstream

Thus, for vertical coordination of types of earth leakage device, the following table may be helpful:

Therefore, whenever we protect a load with type B protection, all the protection that is in series upstream (subframes, general earth leakage protection) must also be type B

CIRCUTOR Solutions for Type B Earth Leakage Protection

Given the growing requirement of users to cover protections of this type of charge, CIRCUTOR has a wide range of type B earth leakage protection solutions.

Conclusions

We have seen how the different types of earth leakage devices (AC, A, F and B) are defined, according to international framework regulations, and according to the type of leakage they protect against. In other words: the type of earth leakage device is intrinsically linked to the operation and technology of the load to be protected.

It is therefore essential, for the correct selection of the type of earth leakage device, to know what response it has and how the load to be protected works. Manufacturers of the loads, in their manuals and advice, will indicate the approach to take and how to make the selection.

It is equally important to respect all vertical selectivity conditions for the correct coordination of our protection upstream of the charge and at the head of the installation, also respecting the type of earth leakage device.

With these basic guidelines, we will not only ensure maximum continuity of service to preserve the protection of the charges and assets of our facility, but we will also guarantee the safety of individuals.

New self-reclosing RCCB's for all kinds of applications

In view of the increasing use of electronic loads in installations and of the need to maintain the protection and continuity of service in lines with a certain level of criticality, CIRCUTOR is launching a new range of Type A and Type B self-reclosing RCCB.

Both guarantee the improved continuity of the electrical service through a reclosing sequence with 3 attempts, timed with respect to one another.

Designed to reduce installation time, it features a self-powered system and an optimised physical design that adds a single module for reclosing.

Front ON/OFF switch that allows blocking the reclosing device, as well as a seal to make it impossible to tamper with the RCCB.

It is an ideal unit for applications where onsite maintenance is not possible, such as telecommunications facilities, DTT systems, telephone systems, production lines and critical installations.

REC4Type A self-reclosing RCCB

RECBType B self-reclosing RCCB

RCCB capable of handling sinusoidal leakage currents and pulsating wave currents. Industrial earth leakage protection with 30 and 300 mA sensitivities, in 2- and 4-pole electrical installations of up to 63 A. 2-pole models available with reclosing by insulation mode, perfect for the household sector, with a special emphasis on second homes, swimming pools, irrigation systems, community areas, and other applications.

For all kinds of applications

Everyone is well aware of the importance of measuring electrical parameters correctly to help us make the right decisions regarding energy efficiency and its consequent short-term cost-effectiveness, but we often find that not only is it necessary to perform energy audits to quantify the energy consumed by our different installations, but power quality or transient events must also be detected and recorded at our installations.

Such power quality faults, although often referred to as hidden costs, lead to production downtime, loss of material, unproductive staff hours, etc., and in some cases may be much costlier for companies than poor energy management.

MYeBOX® is a new system enabling energy audits to be performed which comply with the ISO 50001 certification, quality analysis according to the EN 50160 Standard and now also class A certification under the IEC 61000-4-30 Standard.

Remote management

The MYeBOX system stands out from its competitors with its new connectivity features, allowing devices to be fully managed in a simple, intuitive way from any location via a mobile application or the MYeBOX Cloud platform. These tools allow the user to remotely access the device and verify connection, device configuration, parameterise desired logging intervals, enable and configure power quality or transient event detection, alarms and even start or stop data logging. The possibility to remotely view the parameters measured by the device on a mobile terminal allows the user to detect faulty installation and/or device configuration and correct any problems immediately. This leads to important savings in time and travel costs, other devices only detecting such faults after downloading the data and obliging the user to make several trips to the installation to retake measurements.

Versatility

One of MYeBOX's most outstanding features is that the device's wiring may be modified by firmware. What advantages does this have? Once the device has been installed, if the user detects that the parameters measured by the device are incorrect due to faulty wiring, data logging may be stopped, the device's wiring can be remotely modified and data logging resumed, thereby saving a trip without the need to retake measurements.

Single solution for simultaneous measurements

By allowing remote configuration, the internal clocks of the devices can be synchronised via the mobile terminal or web platform, guaranteeing that all devices simultaneously logging at an installation have the same timestamp for all their logs. This is essential when determining the consequences or effects of a disturbance on the rest of the installation. If the devices being measured are not synchronised, it is impossible to draw cause/effect conclusions.

Remote management

One of the most recurrent needs of an energy audit is the need to carry out different measurements at different points in the same installation. This need usually requires long, costly journeys to the installations where the devices are measuring in order to stop data logging, move them to the new measuring point and restart logging. MYeBOX enables data logging to be stopped remotely and any company maintenance personnel (qualified and following safety guidelines) may then be asked to change the device's location. Once the device is in the new location, its correct wiring and configuration can be remotely checked, and data logging started again.

Multiple analysis

With a conventional analyser, the user is required to set a recording interval that applies to all variables. Although this may seem unimportant, it does penalise the user in that the recording interval for an energy audit to comply with EN50160 must be every 10 minutes. What happens if the user also needs to record some variables such as voltage and current every second? It simply cannot be done simultaneously. Such variables need to be recorded again and a one-second interval must be selected. MYeBOX is a precise, all-in-one device in that it allows the user to perform various types of installation analysis. How does it do so? It is the only analyser on the market that allows "per se" configuration of different recording intervals for different variables or variable sets. Logging of variables such as voltage and current per second may be configured and other variables can be recorded at 10-minute intervals.

Alarms

MYeBOX enables the configuration of certain alarms related to the value of some electrical magnitudes measured by the device. These alarms may be e-mailed to different users of that particular analyser, thereby actively controlling the installation.

MYeBOX may therefore be tailored to meet any requirements that help installers and maintenance managers make the right decisions at the right time, saving both indirect and direct costs in the most flexible, efficient way.